SOUTH QUEENSLAND IOM CHAMPIONSHIP

Hosted by Moreton Radio Yacht Squadron Inc

 

Moreton Radio Yacht Squadron hosted the South Queensland IOM Championship at its sailing venue at Isles of Newport Kippa-Ring over 25 and 26 October.

 

This was the first official Championship conducted at the venue and attracted a very competitive fleet of 28 boats, a good test of the venue’s capacity which proved to be more than adequate.

 

PRO Ian Ashe managed to get things under way after the registration and check measuring was complete exactly on time at 1000 hrs with seeding in accordance with ARYA ranking and Brad Johnson (Cockatoo 2) and Ben Leigh Smith (Mutiny) taking first blood. Ben then experienced mechanical problems with his untried boat, effectively loosing 3 races, which put him out of contention.

 

Brad and Geoff Morris (Cockatoo 2) put in very consistent races over the day to make it clear they meant business and would take some beating although Glenn Foley after a slow start strung together 3 wins in succession from race 5 to put him into contention. Others within reach were Rod Molkentin (Mutiny) Tom Butler (Crossbreed) Alan Walker (Mad Max) and John Wilson (Mutiny)

 

Racing was conducted in variable A rig conditions during the day until after completion of 8 races (16 heats) racing was brought to a premature close by an approaching storm. Fortunately the call was taken early enough to allow most to be packed away before the worst including hail arrived.

 

Racing resumed on Sunday, with agreement of skippers, a few minutes early to try and make up some of the time lost.

 

Tom Butler won the first race from Jon Wilson with the leaders a bit slow to start but from there on it was the Brad and Geoffrey show as the both put together very consistent placings from Alan Walker showing improved form over his first days results. Conditions gradually built in strength all day with some choosing to go to B rig in the afternoon without gaining any significant benefit. Wind direction varied during the day keeping the PRO and boat crew busy with course changes.

 

Measurer Ian Gilmour on Sunday chose to check weigh a number of boats, selected at random, and all passed with flying colours

 

After a total of 20 races it was Geoff Morris, from Brad Johnson and Allan Walker who took of the trophies which were presented by Club Commodore Ian Gilmour.

 

Thanks to the competing skippers for supporting the event, PRO Ian Ashe and the officials for pulling the event together. I personally enjoyed the event from the sideline and hope others attending had an enjoyable weekend.

 

Graeme Turk

Photos by Nick Lindsley